Epidemiology and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B, C and D viruses in nine high-risk populations from Burkina Faso

Objectives Comprehensive studies on hepatitis B, C and D virus (HBV, HCV and HDV) infections in high-risk groups are lacking in Africa. This study investigated viral markers among nine high-risk populations in three locations of Burkina Faso. Methods Socio-demographic and clinical data, as well as blood samples, were collected from sex workers, men who have sex with men, prisoners, health care workers, lorry drivers, illegal gold miners, hairdressers, haemodialysis patients and human immunodeficiency virus patients. Serum samples were screened using serological and molecular tests; detected viruses were sequenced. Results Overall, 1373 participants were enrolled. HBsAg seroprevalence was 13.5% and anti-HBc seroprevalence was 75.5%. Among HBsAg-positive samples, HBeAg, anti-HBe and HBV DNA were detected in 18.3%, 79.4% and 30.1% respectively. Total anti-HDV antibodies were detected in four (2.1%) samples and HDV RNA in three (75.0%). Anti-HCV prevalence was 8.5% and HCV RNA was detected in 13.7%. HBV/HCV coinfection was found in four (0.3%) cases. Virus characterization identified genotype 1 for HDV, genotypes A and E for HBV, genotypes 1 and 2 for HCV. Conclusions The results showed higher prevalences of HBV and HCV infections than in the general population. They underline the need of targeted programs for these high-risk groups to support the 2030 hepatitis elimination goals.